Field hockey: Winnacunnet's Harnum set to embark on another run at state title

Friday

Oct 25, 2013 at 2:00 AM

hAMPTON — Ashley Harnum has already made two trips to the Division I field hockey championship game.

STEVE CRAIG

hAMPTON — Ashley Harnum has already made two trips to the Division I field hockey championship game.

The senior leader of Winnacunnet High School's athletic and skilled defense believes two things: that this year's undefeated Warrior squad can return again, and that it would be the best trip ever.

"This is the best team I've ever been on and the best season I've ever had," Harnum said. "Sophomore year I was new to the lineup. I don't really remember it as well. I didn't really realize how big it was and last year I realized how big it was and it got taken from us.

"It's nice to see the underclassmen want it just as much as I do and that really makes me feel we could go all the way."

Winnacunnet starts its postseason today at 3:30 p.m. The top-seeded Warriors will put their 14-0 record on the line against No. 9 Bishop Guertin (8-7). Guertin advanced by beating host Keene, 2-1, in double overtime in Tuesday's preliminary round.

In the regular season Winnacunnet won a mid-season game at Guertin, 4-1.

By that point, the Warriors were already established as a legitimate contender to reclaim the Division I title it had won in 2010 and 2011.

For some the fast start was a bit of a surprise since Winnacunnet graduated nine seniors from the 2012 squad. Harnum was the only returning starter on defense.

"Obviously we knew we had some tough shoes to fill but I really wasn't worried because I know the dedication of the girls on my team," Harnum said. "Most of them do club field hockey and they're really passionate about it. I wasn't worried at all. I didn't expect an unbeaten season."

Former forwards Olivia Marciano and Caroline Anastasia willingly moved back to defense. Harnum said their desire to play the position, combined with their skill, made for a quick and successful transition.

The group's play has also made it easier for junior goalie Lily Cragg, a first-year field hockey player, to get accustomed to the game and her position.

Winnacunnet will enter the postseason riding a six-game shutout streak and has outscored its opponents 73-8 for the season.

Winnacunnet coach Heidi Hand pointed to Harnum, who has embraced her role as a captain, as key to the development.

"She gives 100 percent and she controls the backfield and she tells Caroline and Olivia what to do," Hand said. "They rely on her; and I think (midfielder) Liz (Auffant) relies on her too because Liz is kind of a higher defender. Those two work real well together."

Harnum's combination of speed and strength helped get her in the lineup as a sophomore. Ever since she's displayed a knack for making confident steps forward to intercept passes.

That ability to read the game, combined with her powerful drives on free hits, means Harnum can quickly turn a defensive play into an offensive transition for Winnacunnet.

"Probably my favorite part is I love intercepting passes," Harnum said. "I love to read what they're going to do and just swoop in and take it away and get it off to my (midfielders). It's always more fun when you take them by surprise."

Late in the season Harnum even got a chance to take part directly in the offense.

With Winnacunnet well on its way to a 12-0 win against Manchester Central, Hand called Harnum forward for a penalty corner opportunity.

A quick stick stop and hard shot later, Harnum had her first varsity goal.

It was a sweet moment in what she hopes will be an even sweeter season but it by no means altered her perception of her job description.

"I don't score goals," Harnum said. "I get satisfaction out of preventing the other team from scoring."

Harnum intends to take her passion for the sport to the collegiate level. Those are plans that will be finalized in the coming months.

Right now the focus is on winning three more games and reclaiming the Warriors' crown.

"Ashley doesn't get much recognition because she's a defender but she should. She has led the team," Hand said.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service